The Jarchow Lab at the University of South Dakota is seeking an innovative and hard-working student to be part of the first cohort of students in a graduate program in sustainability that is being developed at USD. The PhD position is fully funded for four years at ~$22,000 per year. The position has a flexible start date of either summer or fall 2017.

The PhD position is part of a project, funded by NSF, titled “Sustainable socio-economic, ecological, and technological scenarios for achieving global climate stabilization through negative CO2 emission policies.” The project brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from USD, Montana State University, and the University of Wyoming to evaluate the role that a BEECS (bioenergy and carbon capture and sequestration) economy would have on the Upper Missouri River Basin (UMRB). The Jarchow Lab-led project has two main components. First, we will assess, map, and quantify how residents of the UMRB perceive the social values of the ecosystem services provided by their environment. Second, we will do sustainability visioning to develop a scenario of a desirable future for the UMRB.

Applicants with training in a number of academic disciplines will be considered for this position including sustainability, biology/ecology, environmental science or studies, political science, sociology, or other related fields. Additional qualifications include knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS) software, excellent oral communication skills, and interest in conducting interdisciplinary research.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter describing your career goals and how your experience and qualifications make you a strong fit for this position to me (Meghann.Jarchow@usd.edu). Also attach your CV or resume, unofficial transcript(s), GRE scores (unofficial OK), TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only), and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by 16 December 2016.